High-speed chase ends in arrest, charged with DUI in Hanford

HANFORD, Calif. (FOX26) — A 45-year-old man was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase spanning 32 miles across multiple jurisdictions early Friday morning.

Hanford police initially stopped the driver near Fourth Street and Phillips Street in Hanford, where he showed signs of intoxication and became combative.

Officers deployed Tasers on the suspect, identified as Scott Scilagyi, but he was able to get to his vehicle and take off, prompting a multi-agency pursuit.

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The chase reached speeds of 100 miles per hour on Highway 198 and surrounding county roads.

Scilagyi drove dangerously, including brake-checking pursuing officers, swerving towards a deputy deploying spike strips, and ramming a patrol vehicle.

Even after successful tire deflation tactics, Scilagyi continued to evade at slower speeds until he lost control and crashed into a light pole in the Save Mart parking lot in Hanford.

Officers say Scilagyi continued to resist and kicked a patrol car door, causing damage.

A search of his vehicle uncovered open containers of alcohol and a stolen handgun.

Scilagyi was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Kings County Jail.

He faces multiple felony charges, including felony evading, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, felon in possession of a firearm, DUI, and resisting arrest.

The Kings County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol assisted the Hanford Police Department in the pursuit.